Elder Scrolls Online – exclusive concept art gallery – in pictures

Elder Scrolls Online – exclusive concept art gallery – in pictures

Bethesda is set to take its critically acclaimed Elder Scrolls series into the massively-multiplayer realm later this month. Here, the concept and lore design team introduce us to a selection of concept artworks produced for the forthcoming PC, PS4 and Xbox One title

"This is a biome piece for Stormhold, an ancient city founded by the Barsaebic Ayleids. You can see what remains of their architecture in the background. Later it was taken over by Argonians who built their modern mud homes among the crumbled arches."

"These are designs for the Robes of the Worm Cult. The Cult of the Black Worm is a society of necromancers, worshipers of Molag Bal, and evil fiends devoted to the hastening of the Planemeld. They sow dissent wherever they operate, performing foul rituals, hoarding powerful relics, and raising undead minions to cause chaos."

"This is a biome design for Auridon in the Aldmeri Dominion. It’s a region of tall, broken cliffs, colorful forests, and pale sands. While the High Elves cultivate their surroundings, wild regions of deep forest and forgotten ruins still remain. This is a very ancient and traditional region."

"Medium, heavy, and light armors in the Breton style are shown here. There were several iterations of these throughout development. Breton designs are the most 'traditional' medieval fantasy designs in ESO. Centuries of warfare in High Rock have led the Bretons to value functionality over beauty; their architecture and attire alike share an earthy, hand-crafted quality."

"This piece depicts southern Bangkorai, a landscape of shifting desert sands with small outcroppings of hard, flat stone. A few shallow oases dot the desert, almost all fortified by Redguard nomads who have made this treacherous land their home for centuries."

"These Colovian rugs can also be hung as tapestries. The Colovians of western Cyrodiil have Nord ancestors, and their influences are apparent in Colovian culture and attitudes. They’re a stern, religious people. You can see the symbols of Akatosh, Kyne, and Stendarr woven into these decorations."

"The entrance to the Crypt of Hearts lies on the southeastern border of Rivenspire at the foot of the Wrothgar Mountains. Once an idyllic farming enclave, something evil has taken root here and destroyed the peaceful city of Heartland."

"Here, you can see some of the modular system designed for the Dwarven ruin set, which is the setting for many dungeons in ESO. Dwarven architecture is primarily subterranean; the few surface features are generally entryways."

"This shows a glimpse of Eyevea, a sanctuary for members of the Mages Guild. But now the entire idyllic island has been magically spirited away by a mysterious force. Can you help the Mages Guild regain it?"

"These are some tree and rock guides designed for Eastmarch, which is mostly icy volcanic tundra. It has a few scattered lakes bordered by snow-covered mountains to the east and west. Pine forests grow in the fertile lands at the base of the mountains, thinning at altitude to form a vast, frozen wasteland."

"This is a banekin, a weak servitor Daedra that is only clever in its cruelty. They are not masters of their own powers and are known to be more destructive than helpful. A summoner might find some use in letting them wreak the wanton havoc they so love. Beyond that, their uses are few—they’re quick to forget commands."

"These Daedra, the harvesters, are often used by Molag Bal as overseers of cult activities. They’re frequent participants in rituals involving sacrifices or soul-stealing. Though they do have some measure of intelligence, their lack of culture or language places them below the Dremora in Daedric hierarchy."

"The titan is a giant, armored behemoth used by Molag Bal as a guardian of souls and other critical strategic resources. Part undead, part Daedra, this horrific monstrosity is intelligent and powerful, making it a formidable foe for even the most skilled adventurers."

"This shows a battle with a daedroth, a crocodile-headed humanoid Daedra. Reptilian and massive, simple and brutish, daedroth are savage, ravenous beasts. Their thick hides are resistant to magical attacks, and they’re known to belch forth fire—a devastating addition to their powerful attacks."